When Jesus called Matthew, as he sat in his office where he collected customs duty, Matthew rose up and followed him and left everything behind him except one thing - his pen. Matthew was to become the great chronicler of Christ's life and teachings - and, though it is widely accepted that he did not write the gospel itself, his influence is undeniably felt throughout. Matthew has a rhythmical and often poetical prose. Of the synoptics, it is the gospel best suited for public reading, and is probably the best known as a result: it includes Christ's infancy, the Sermon on the Mount, the well-known parables, the Resurrection and many other familiar stories. William Barclay helps us to rediscover the immediacy and freshness of this familiar gospel.

Most devotional writing sits too light on the historical and critical facts. Barclay was one of the few who could at the same time distil the essence of scholarly findings with nourishment for the Christian way.

- Richard Harries

William Barclay writes with such an intelligent clarity and generosity.

- Nick Baines

William Barclay's world-renowned, down-to-earth New Daily Study Bible commentaries -- including his own translations of the New Testament texts -- have inspired millions of people across the generations 'to know better their Bible, their God and their Saviour'.